29 days have swiftly passed since the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. And we just found ourselves nearing its conclusion. How swiftly time flies!

I earnestly pray that Allah, the Almighty accepts our fasting and all the virtuous deeds associated with it. May He bestow upon us the blessings and abundant favors of this glorified month. May He overlook our shortcomings, multiply our good deeds.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is the month of fasting, self reflection, purification and consolidating one’s connection with Allah, the Creator. It’s a month we frequent to mosques with utmost dedication, engage in congregational prayers as always, deep dive into the teachings of the Quran and extend charity to the less fortunate in a scale never seen in other months.

It’s a much-needed spiritual retreat with a transformative opportunity, punctuated with a nightly redemption of freeing people from the Hellfire. May Allah register our names among the key beneficiaries, whose sins are forgiven, rewards multiplied and categorize us among the righteous, the pious.

Throughout this month, as in every year , 1.9 billion people around the globe continued to diligently observe not only fasting from dawn to dusk, but have also strived to refrain from malpractice to the best of their abilities.

We express gratitude to Allah, the Almighty for allowing the month to conclude with peace, faith and good health.

Lastly but certainly not least, may Allah protect the people in Gaza who have endured amidst the unbearable sufferings inflicted by an apartheid regime. Despite facing Israeli’s blockade, bombing and genocidal violence in near famine conditions, they have remained steadfast in their undertakings. Just as the brutality and intensity of the violence has been described as unprecedented, their steadfastness, patience, courage and resilience equally went down in to the annals of the history books as unprecedented and unmatched.

Farewell Ramadan, we shall miss you dearly and eagerly long for your return next year God willingly!